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A Cross-Cultural Perspective on Romantic Love
... There are several cross-cultural studies that have analysed the differences in attitudes towards love between different geographical contexts. Jankowiak and Fischer (1992) ...
... This is followed by pragmatic love and friendly love, with those aspects of obsessive love being found in fourth place. In contrast to the study by Jankowiak and Fischer (1992), the two lowest scored aspects were for the dimensions related to altruistic love and physical or erotic attraction. This coincidence reveals certain constants, such as the centrality of the ludic dimension in contemporary relationships, with scores practically double (on average) those of physical attraction (eros). ...
This study presents the translation and validation of the Love Attitudes Scale-Short Form (LAS-SF)to the Ukrainian and Spanish context. In addition, a comparative analysis is performed on the love styles shown by a sample of 611 people, of which 346 were residents of the city of Almería (Spain) and 259 were residents of Lviv (Ukraine). The results
show good psychometric characteristics for the scale and a factorial invariance between the groups of origin, while preserving the original six-factor structure. Regarding the love styles, similarities are identified between the Spanish and Ukrainians in the importance of ludic (playful) love and the low importance of physical attraction or passionate
love. In terms of differences, one can see that ludic, friendly, and pragmatic love styles are significantly higher in the Ukrainian population while obsessive love appears more valued in the Spanish population. Religion is related to significantly diminishing the obsessive love styles. The differences between the Spanish and Ukrainian groups give an account of some of the cultural similarities and differences that exist regarding conceptions of love in the interior of the European continent and that, according to the data, might be related to the role that religion plays in these societies.
... These elements of bonding typically outlast the course of a single mating cycle or season [12]. Although humans have remarkable flexibility in mating styles, from polygyny to serial monogamy, we have a strong tendency to pair bond, with social monogamy observed across diverse cultures throughout history [13]. However, biological studies of human bonding are limited in their ability to elucidate the underlying neural mechanisms culminating in bonding ( Figure 1). ...
... When examining human experiences of love and long-term relationships, it is also imperative to also consider the socio-cultural factors at play. Romantic love is present in almost all human societies, and despite differences in acceptance of polygamy and extra-marital sex across cultures, monogamy remains the dominant marriage type even in groups where polygamy is accepted [13,181,182]. Furthermore, although humans are not sexually exclusive, the rates of extra-pair paternity are relatively low compared to other socially monogamous but not sexually exclusive animals, such as certain monogamous birds [182]. ...
Love is a powerful emotional experience that is rooted in ancient neurobiological processes shared with other species that pair bond. Considerable insights have been gained into the neural mechanisms driving the evolutionary antecedents of love by studies in animal models of pair bonding, particularly in monogamous species such as prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). Here, we provide an overview of the roles of oxytocin, dopamine, and vasopressin in regulating neural circuits responsible for generating bonds in animals and humans alike. We begin with the evolutionary origins of bonding in mother–infant relationships and then examine the neurobiological underpinnings of each stage of bonding. Oxytocin and dopamine interact to link the neural representation of partner stimuli with the social reward of courtship and mating to create a nurturing bond between individuals. Vasopressin facilitates mate-guarding behaviors, potentially related to the human experience of jealousy. We further discuss the psychological and physiological stress following partner separation and their adaptive function, as well as evidence of the positive health outcomes associated with being pair-bonded based on both animal and human studies.
This paper, relying on a thematic review of the literature, aimed to explore the influence of culture on human relations, particularly on love. We highlighted the innate need of humans to belong and be part of a community and, moreover, partake in an intimate relationship. Most humans yearn for intimacy, and thus it was defined and described. In our Western culture, intimacy is often found in marriage, usually built on love. Love, if not nurtured, may fade, and so we described what happens when it does. Romantic relationships, where love is usually expressed and actualized, were examined, including how it is shown, how time affects love, and what causes love relationships to be marred by loneliness. The main part of the paper is devoted to examining the effect of culture on love, its expression, and on romantic relationships. While love may be universal, its development, expression, and importance in intimate relationships differ depending on the culture and era in which it occurs.
Why do people fall in love? Does passion fade with time? What makes for a happy, healthy relationship? This introduction to relationship science follows the lifecycle of a relationship – from attraction and initiation, to the hard work of relationship maintenance, to dissolution and ways to strengthen a relationship. Designed for advanced undergraduates studying psychology, communication or family studies, this textbook presents a fresh, diversity-infused approach to relationship science. It includes real-world examples and critical-thinking questions, callout boxes that challenge students to make connections, and researcher interviews that showcase the many career paths of relationship scientists. Article Spotlights reveal cutting-edge methods, while Diversity and Inclusion boxes celebrate the variety found in human love and connection. Throughout the book, students see the application of theory and come to recognize universal themes in relationships as well as the nuances of many findings. Instructors can access lecture slides, an instructor manual, and test banks.
In post‐Soviet Cuba, instead of the political future envisioned by Revolutionary authorities, poor residents of Havana aspire to create kinship futures where there is no need to ‘sleep alone’. Here, the idea of ‘sleeping together’ represents a trustworthy social bond that shelters a person from loneliness over time. For these habaneros , sexual love between men and women cannot be trusted, since it is often plagued by suspicions of material interest. By contrast, they view parent‐child connections as a way to secure a cared‐for future for themselves. Nevertheless, as Cuban socialism undergoes transformations, gendered inequalities create obstacles for many people's aspirations for parenthood. This article explores the contrast between sexual and filial love in Cubans’ efforts to create kinship futures for themselves, thereby adding to our understandings of poor people's life projects.
Traditionally, the emotions have been viewed from a biological perspective; that is, the emotions have been seen as genetically determined and relatively invariable responses. The present chapter, by contrast, views the emotions as social constructions. More precisely, the emotions are here defined as socially constituted syndromes or transitory social roles. A role-conception does not deny the contribution of biological systems to emotional syndromes; it does, however, imply that the functional significance of emotional responses is to be found largely within the sociocultural system. With regard to subjective experience, a person interprets his own behavior as emotional in much the same way that an actor interprets a role“with feeling.” This involves not only the monitoring of behavior (including feedback from physiological arousal, facial expressions, etc.), but also an understanding of how the emotional role fits into a larger“drama” written by society. Some of the biological, personal, and situational factors that influence emotional behavior are also discussed.
MacDonaldMichael. Mystical Bedlam: Madness, Anxiety, and Healing in Seventeenth-Century England. New York: Cambridge University Press. (Cambridge Monographs on the History of Medicine.) 1981. Pp. 323. $39.95. - Volume 13 Issue 4 - Peter McCandless